Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +44 1518081136

Commentary - Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling (2023) Volume 6, Issue 3

The potential of biodegradable materials in sustainable solid waste management.

Katarzyna Bernati*

Department of Environmental Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland

Corresponding Author:
Katarzyna Bernati
Department of Environmental Biotechnology
University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
Olsztyn, Poland
E-mail: bernt@uwm.edu.pl

Received: 22-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. AAEWMR-23-97785; Editor assigned: 23-Apr-2023, PreQC No. AAEWMR-23-97785(PQ); Reviewed: 07-May-2023, QC No. AAEWMR-23-97785; Revised: 11-May-2023, Manuscript No. AAEWMR-23-97785(R); Published: 18-May-2023, DOI:10.35841/AAEWMR-6.3.146

Citation: Bernat K. The potential of biodegradable materials in sustainable solid waste management. Environ Waste Management Recycling.2023;6(3):146

The issue of solid waste management is a growing concern worldwide, as landfills continue to fill up and our consumption of materials continues to increase. Fortunately, there are solutions available that can help us manage waste in a more sustainable way. One promising solution is the use of biodegradable materials. Biodegradable materials are those that can be broken down by natural processes, such as bacteria or fungi, into simpler substances that are less harmful to the environment. This is in contrast to non-biodegradable materials, such as plastics, which can take hundreds of years to decompose and contribute to the accumulation of waste in landfills and oceans. Biodegradable materials have the potential to play a significant role in sustainable solid waste management [1].

Biodegradable materials can be composted, meaning they can be broken down into nutrient-rich soil that can be used in agriculture and landscaping. This can significantly reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, as well as the greenhouse gas emissions associated with landfilling. Biodegradable materials have a much lower environmental impact than non-biodegradable materials. This is because they break down into harmless substances that do not contribute to pollution or harm to wildlife. Many biodegradable materials are made from renewable resources, such as cornstarch or sugarcane. This reduces our dependence on non-renewable resources and supports a more sustainable economy. The use of biodegradable materials in everyday products can increase public awareness about the importance of sustainable waste management and encourage people to adopt more sustainable practices [2].

However, it is important to note that biodegradable materials are not a silver bullet solution to solid waste management. They still require proper disposal and management, and not all biodegradable materials are created equal. Some materials, such as bioplastics, may only break down under specific conditions and may still contribute to environmental harm if not managed properly. Despite these challenges, the potential of biodegradable materials in sustainable solid waste management is undeniable. By incorporating biodegradable materials into our everyday products and improving waste management practices, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste we produce and protect our environment for future generations [3].

Biodegradable materials have the potential to revolutionize sustainable solid waste management in various ways. Here are some of the key benefits of biodegradable materials, Biodegradable materials can be composted, which can significantly reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills. Composting involves breaking down organic materials, such as food waste and yard waste, into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to enrich the soil in gardens and farms. This not only reduces waste but also provides a valuable resource for agriculture and landscaping [4].

However, it is important to note that not all biodegradable materials are created equal. Some materials, such as bioplastics, may only break down under specific conditions and may still contribute to environmental harm if not managed properly. In addition, the production of biodegradable materials may require significant resources and energy, which can also have environmental impacts. To fully realize the potential of biodegradable materials in sustainable solid waste management, it is important to focus on the development of sustainable and efficient production methods, as well as effective waste management systems. This can involve educating consumers on proper waste disposal practices, investing in composting and recycling infrastructure, and developing new technologies to efficiently process biodegradable materials [5].

References

  1. Rosenboom JG, Langer R, Traverso G. Bioplastics for a circular economy. Nat Rev Mater. 2022;7(2):117-37. 

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Xanthos D, Walker TR. International policies to reduce plastic marine pollution from single-use plastics (plastic bags and microbeads): A review. Mar Pollut Bull. 2017;118(1-2):17-26.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Maurya A, Bhattacharya A, Khare SK. Enzymatic remediation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)–based polymers for effective management of plastic wastes: an overview. Bioeng Biotechnol. 2020;8:602325.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Raddadi N, Fava F. Biodegradation of oil-based plastics in the environment: Existing knowledge and needs of research and innovation. Sci Total Environ. 2019;679:148-58.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Inderthal H, Tai SL, Harrison ST. Non-hydrolyzable plastics–an interdisciplinary look at plastic bio-oxidation. Trends Biotechnol. 2021;39(1):12-23..

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App